Welcome to Norway, where you’ll discover the irresistible charm and eccentricity of Oslo. With so much to see and do in Oslo, we recommend that you arrive a few days before the trip begins, so you can see as much of the city as possible. Tonight why not seek out some traditional Norwegian fare with the group? Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend the welcome meeting. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Today you'll leave Oslo behind and take the train across the stunning countryside to Trondheim. Trondheim was the first capital of Norway (although some historians would argue that) and remains the city where kings go through their coronation. Its name translates as 'a good place to live', with 'trond' meaning 'a good place' and 'heim' home, and it truly is. The city is situated on the Trondheimsfjord and colourful wooden storehouses flank the Nidelva River that runs through town, while the city's outskirts are surrounded by hilly wilderness. Ask your leader about the best places to get fresh seafood in town. Although a global ban on commercial whaling came into effect in 1986, approximately 1,000 whales are still being killed every year, as Iceland, Norway and Japan ignore the ban. We strive not to visit places that serve whale on any of our trips, however often this is unavoidable and there is a likelihood that you will come across whale meat on a menu or at a market stand.

The forested Bymarka awaits you today – a large nature reserve in Trondheim’s west. Take an easy walk around Lianvatnet, a freshwater lake surrounded by grassy slopes and shady paths. Head back to Trondheim and embark on Norway’s famous Hurtigruten ferry towards your next stop, Bodo. Operating for over 130 years, the Hurtigruten ferries transport both visitors and locals across Norway’s waters and offer regional ingredients during their onboard experience. Enjoy a night on board the ferry, but while it’s still light, make sure to spend time looking out along the incredible Norwegian coastline. Today's walk will take approximately 1 hour along a flat path. Your travel today will be on an overnight ferry. The ferry between Trondheim and Bodo is not available for select departures. Instead, you’ll take morning train (approximately 7 hours), then overnight in Mo i Rana with ample time in the afternoon to explore and relax and short train to port in Bode (approximately 3 hours) before boarding the ferry to Lofoten Islands. These departures are BMSN260509, BMSN260523, BMSN260627, BMSN260711 and BMSN260808.

Arrive in Bodo sometime this morning. There's ample time for you to explore this interesting town until we leave on the afternoon ferry to Svolvaer on the Lofoten Islands. Bodø is a modern city, as it was rebuilt after essentially being destroyed by German bombers during WWII. With a dramatic backdrop of rugged ranges, Bodø has the densest population of white-tailed sea eagles in the world, so once you're done exploring, why not grab a drink or some food by the quay and take in the vista while these impressive birds circle above (just watch your food). While in Bodø, you also have the possibility to hop on a public bus taking you to Saltstraumen, the strongest tidal current in the world and see Norwegian nature in action. Board the afternoon ferry to the Lofoten Islands. After arrival, check in at a traditional Norwegian rorbu, which has a history of being the home of local fishermen, but has now been rebuilt to accommodate guests. The sunny atmosphere provides a unique experience of Lofoten's landscape. It's a short distance from the cabins to fishing spots at sea, beaches, mountains and notably the iconic Svolværgeita mountain.

The Lofoten Islands are known for picturesque fishing villages, pristine nature and, of course, the Midnight Sun. This is viking country, and the beauty of the area is unparalleled and near-impossible to convey in words. Svolvaer, one of the main towns on the islands, relies heavily on fishing and an ever-growing tourism industry as it's used as a primary base to explore the other islands. This morning head out on an excursion by RIB (rigid inflatable boat) to the narrow and steep-sided Trollfjord. On this exhilarating trip around the small islands and skerries of the Raftsundet Strait, you'll also get the chance to see sea eagles, it’s a special experience when one circles just a few metres above your head. The afternoon is free to explore as you wish and there are several optional activities for you to choose from. Perhaps enjoy a sea kayaking trip around Svolvaer's picture-perfect harbour (subject to availability) or hike through the dramatic granite peaks jutting out of the ocean.

Today, after breakfast, enjoy a hike to Linken peak (105 m above the sea level). This is a picturesque and easy hike (approximately 2 hours) that offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and the sea. For those who are up for a further challenge and exercise your leader can additionally take you for Tjeldbergtinden hike to enjoy a spectacular view over the sea and fjords and Svolvær city below. Those feeling less energetic can return to Svolvaer after the Linken Peak hike and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. There are plenty of interesting places around Svolvaer that can be reached by public bus – you can travel 1000 years back in time and experience the Viking Age in an active and vibrant environment or wander around fishing village of Henningsvær, famous for craft shops and pleasant atmosphere. Please ask your leader for further recommendations and help with logistics.

Depart the Lofoten Islands on a long but scenic travel day to Tromsø. Start with a local bus ride to Harstad, you'll have some free time here so perhaps take your time for lunch or explore the little town. Later on continue by local ferry past stunning scenery, plenty of fjords and even a maelstrom to Tromsø. Located far above the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is northern Norway's major cultural centre thanks to a range of music and arts festivals and an increasing student population courtesy of the University of Tromsø. Enjoy a free evening on arrival in town. Today's travel time is approximately 8 hours.

This morning, start exploring Tromsø on an e-bike tour with a local guide and learn about life north of the Arctic Circle. You'll stop at some of the local's favourite city sites like MS Polstjerna, an extremely well-preserved vessel that took part in seal hunting (entry not included), an old farmstead from the 19th century, Prestvannet, the biggest lake on the island and more. Then, explore Tromsø at your leisure. Perhaps learn about the region's fascinating history at the Polar Museum and Tromsø Museum, check out the many art galleries or take a boat cruise in the surrounding waters (the city is actually built on an island). No visit to Tromsø would be complete without a beer at the city's oldest pub, Olhallen, part of the Mack Brewery that is even older than the pub. It was founded by Ludwig Mack, a baker who cared not for the drunkenness of the townsfolk. Mack started brewing beer in 1877 as a less alcoholic alternative to the spirits drunk by most. The brewery is still family-owned and frequented by young and old, traveller and local, student and teacher. Perhaps meet in the evening for an optional final group dinner together. Today’s e-bike tour is approximately 3 hours (15kms) along mostly flat paths. You do need to be moderately competent in riding a bike as good balance and manoeuvring is still required on an e-bike. The e-bike tour is weather dependent in early season (May). If roads are not ridable because of snow/ice, the group will experience a short snowshoe hike just outside of Tromso, through a forest and slightly hilly terrain with a great view of the city in the background.

Your trip comes to an end today. There are no activities planned for this final day. If you want to extend your stay in Tromsø we are happy to book additional accommodation for you, subject to availability. Please enquire at the time of booking.